Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's first-teamers wanted to play against Burnley after suffering a humbling Premier League defeat to Leicester.
After a winning start away to Wolves, a week that began with such optimism ended in crushing defeat as they lost 5-2 at the Ethad. With Leeds next on the horizon, it was expected that the manager would turn to his youngsters for the Carabao Cup game at Turf Moor.
But while Cole Palmer was handed his senior debut, the side was stuffed with senior players including Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne while Aymeric Laporte also made his first start of the season.
City are through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals as a result after a 3-0 win, although a test at Elland Road awaits where the condition of the players will be challenged by Marcelo Bielsa's newcomers.
Guardiola was satisfied with the response to the Leicester defeat, and explained that while it was important for his players to build rhythm after a disrupted pre-season they were also keen to get back out onto the pitch and return to winning ways.
"It was for the rhythm, and because these players wanted to play," he said.
"[The response to Sunday] was good. This competition is special to us and there is just two games - this one and Leeds on Saturday - before the international break. After our result [on Sunday], it was important today."
City will find out their opponents in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening when the draw is made.
